Entchen
Chief Dandelion Picker
Hey all: I'd expected to need to be on Imuran in February or so, but start date has been moved to December. Symptoms point quite clearly to increased inflammation. Have been in a flare since Sept 30, 2009 and would really like to think that Imuran will do the trick (right quick!).
I've been carefully reading through the Imuran threads.
Personal stories, information and/or advice welcome -- and appreciated!
Now here's the longer story from today:
The original plan was to put me back on Prednisone (alongside the Imuran) for three months. I asked if Budesonide (Entocort) could be put on the table as an option, briefly explained the 10 kg weight gain, medication-induced high blood pressure (I'm on meds and it's still high!), and the dysphoria...and this change in the plan was accepted no problem. This is especially good given that we'd previously agreed that Prednisone was *not* effective for me. I was to start Budesonide today, but pharmacy wasn't quite sure what the Rx said (in terms of dosage) and needs to call GI to confirm tomorrow.
The other good thing is that I'm finally losing weight after 2 years of Crohn's-induced continual weight gain. I know weight loss isn't good when it's caused by inflammation, but the increased weight has been causing health problems (and I don't like how I look, to be blunt). I'm hopeful that the Budesonide will help manage the symptoms while not leading to any kind of added weight gain like I saw on Prednisone. I still have ~12 kg to lose till I'm at the top limit of a good healthy weight.
Re. the Imuran, my GI is going out of town on Thursday, so we've decided to start a couple of weeks from now instead of today. Dealing directly with my GI is better than trying to reach whoever's on call at the hospital. I'm going to go for blood work on the 21st and then start Imuran that day. Will go for next round of blood work on the 28th, and call GI on the 29th (his first day back) to double-check whether blood work indicates I should move to the next higher level of the medication. Two weeks (and two blood tests) later, the plan is for me to be on the long-term dosage.
I've also officially been placed on a low residue diet.
A few hours after my GI appointment, I went for a relaxation massage. That was one fantastic hour. My joint pain and stiffness is pretty awful, and although I still have the pain now, I feel less stiff and just plain feel better.
'K, that's all for now!
I've been carefully reading through the Imuran threads.
Personal stories, information and/or advice welcome -- and appreciated!
Now here's the longer story from today:
The original plan was to put me back on Prednisone (alongside the Imuran) for three months. I asked if Budesonide (Entocort) could be put on the table as an option, briefly explained the 10 kg weight gain, medication-induced high blood pressure (I'm on meds and it's still high!), and the dysphoria...and this change in the plan was accepted no problem. This is especially good given that we'd previously agreed that Prednisone was *not* effective for me. I was to start Budesonide today, but pharmacy wasn't quite sure what the Rx said (in terms of dosage) and needs to call GI to confirm tomorrow.
The other good thing is that I'm finally losing weight after 2 years of Crohn's-induced continual weight gain. I know weight loss isn't good when it's caused by inflammation, but the increased weight has been causing health problems (and I don't like how I look, to be blunt). I'm hopeful that the Budesonide will help manage the symptoms while not leading to any kind of added weight gain like I saw on Prednisone. I still have ~12 kg to lose till I'm at the top limit of a good healthy weight.
Re. the Imuran, my GI is going out of town on Thursday, so we've decided to start a couple of weeks from now instead of today. Dealing directly with my GI is better than trying to reach whoever's on call at the hospital. I'm going to go for blood work on the 21st and then start Imuran that day. Will go for next round of blood work on the 28th, and call GI on the 29th (his first day back) to double-check whether blood work indicates I should move to the next higher level of the medication. Two weeks (and two blood tests) later, the plan is for me to be on the long-term dosage.
I've also officially been placed on a low residue diet.
A few hours after my GI appointment, I went for a relaxation massage. That was one fantastic hour. My joint pain and stiffness is pretty awful, and although I still have the pain now, I feel less stiff and just plain feel better.
'K, that's all for now!
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